Pomegranate: The Health Benefits and Harms of the Fruit and Its Seeds

Pomegranate is one of the most valuable winter fruits. It contains a treasure trove of beneficial components for the human body. It helps maintain a healthy immune system and is also an effective preventative measure against cancer. Easterners consider it the king of fruits, and its health benefits and potential side effects are described in numerous Eastern medical treatises. In our country, pomegranate is now readily available to everyone, and its use in folk medicine is becoming increasingly popular.

The health benefits of pomegranate

Thanks to its rich composition of components, the pomegranate fruit has a wide range of effects on the human body. The fruit's main properties include:

• antispasmodic properties with anti-inflammatory effect;
• hypotensive effect;
• antipyretic action with expectorant properties (fresh fruits);
• anthelmintic action – possessed by the bark, rhizomes, stems and peel of the fruit;
• estrogenic property in pomegranate seed oil;
• astringent action with the effect of suppressing dysentery bacillus (fruit peel).

Compound

100 grams of the fruit contains 14% carbohydrates, less than 1% plant protein, no fat, and over 72% water. The fruit also contains a large amount of fiber, organic acids, and tannin.

The mineral composition includes potassium and calcium, phosphorus and iron, magnesium and sodium. These components normalize water-salt balance, play an active role in the construction of bone and muscle tissue, normalize blood pressure, and stimulate myocardial function.

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The vitamin complex consists of the following components:

• C – activates the immune system, participates in the process of hematopoiesis;
• P – strengthens arterial walls and increases their elasticity;
• E is a powerful natural antioxidant that prevents the aging process at the cellular level;
• B5 – calms the psyche and nervous system, reduces the impact of stress on the body;
• B6 – normalizes protein metabolism;
• B12 – improves memory and intellectual abilities, and also activates the activity of liver cells.

Benefits of pomegranate juice

The benefits of fruit for humans are directly related to its composition. Regular consumption of fruit leads to the following positive changes in the body:

• Stimulation of hematopoiesis—the synthesis of red blood cell molecules and the production of red blood cells (hemoglobin) are increased. Children who regularly consume pomegranates rarely get sick, quickly learn new material, and have greater strength and energy.

  

• If the immune system is weakened, eating pomegranate twice a week will activate the body's defenses;
• in cases of nervous tension and stress, the fruits of the pomegranate bush help restore mental and nervous balance;
• in hypertensive patients, blood pressure drops to normal;
• fresh fruits and juice from them stimulate the activity of the myocardium and the circulatory system, as well as the activity of the endocrine organs - the kidneys and liver;
• the fruits reduce the symptoms of menopause due to the presence of estrogens;
• Ascorbic acid in the fruit prevents the development of vitamin deficiency, reduces the cholesterol index in the blood, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis;

  

• Using the juice during colds reduces hyperthermia, cough development, and laryngeal inflammation associated with tonsillitis. The juice, diluted 50% with water, can also be used as a gargle for infectious and inflammatory conditions of the larynx and oral cavity.
• Drinking 60 drops of pomegranate juice daily before meals for diabetics lowers blood glucose levels and reduces the risk of a sharp spike in sugar after eating.

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Medicinal properties of pomegranate seeds

Many people dislike pomegranates precisely because of their large number of seeds. However, it's important to remember that pomegranate seeds are just as beneficial as the pulp and juice. They contain the same components as the entire fruit, making them just as widely used in alternative medicine as the fruit itself.

The dried and ground seeds are used for:

• elimination of headaches of varying intensity;
• reduction of the blood pressure index;
• increasing the activity of the hormonal system;
• increasing brain and intellectual activity.

Thanks to the vitamin and mineral complex, the use of seeds helps to:

• prevention of cell mutation and the development of cancerous tumors;
• lowering cholesterol and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
• preventing the development of anemia of various etiologies.

Pomegranate seed oil prevents the development of wrinkles and cellulite, and is also used in the treatment of dermatological pathologies such as dermatitis and dermatoses, neurodermatitis and psoriasis, trophic ulcers of diabetic and atherosclerotic etiology.

Contraindications and health risks of pomegranate and its seeds

Pomegranate is an amazing fruit with beneficial effects on the human body, but it also has a number of contraindications. If used incorrectly, it can damage tooth enamel. The high content of organic acids can lead to:

• development of caries;
• destruction of the density of enamel on teeth;
• the appearance of a dark coating on the enamel.

If the fruit is used to treat pathologies, then it is necessary to use whitening pastes with a strengthening effect on tooth enamel.

It is also prohibited to use pomegranate in nutrition and therapy in the following cases:

• gastritis with high acidity of gastric secretion;
• ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract;
• allergies to components of the fruit;
• chronic constipation;
• cracks in the rectum;
• internal and external hemorrhoids;
• venous insufficiency.

Pomegranate seeds are contraindicated in the following cases:

• hepatitis;
• enteritis;
• constipation and ulcerative pathologies in the digestive organs;
• anal fissures.

Decoctions and infusions made with pomegranate peel are prohibited during treatment with anti-allergy medications, as they neutralize the effects of the medications. Also, use these decoctions with extreme caution and adhere to the recipe, as the peel is rich in alkaloid compounds that have a toxic effect on the body.

During pregnancy, doctors recommend eating pomegranate because its components prevent the development of anemia in both the expectant mother and the developing fetus.

During lactation, juice consumption should not exceed 30 ml. The juice should be diluted 50/50 with water.

Children should only be given a few pomegranate seeds after the age of one and a half. It's important to closely monitor their digestive system (stool quality) and skin reactions to the fruit.

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Medicinal uses of pomegranate juice, seeds and peel

Herbal remedies based on pomegranate fruit can be used internally and also topically. For dermatological conditions such as skin rashes and measles, apply an ointment to the affected areas. This can be made from olive oil and powdered pomegranate seeds.

Peel remedies

The pomegranate seeds and peel are most often used in alternative medicine because they contain high concentrations of vitamins and essential oils, which are the fruit's most valuable medicinal component. Recipes using pomegranate peel and seeds:

• A hemostatic external remedy is an infusion of the peel and inflorescences. Steep 1 tablespoon of crushed flowers and peel in 200 ml of boiling water for 2 hours. Apply the infusion to the wound to stop bleeding.
• For chronic and acute diarrhea, pour 5 g of peel into 100 ml of boiling water and let steep for 25-30 minutes. After steeping, strain and drink 1 teaspoon three to four times a day;
• The decoction can be used for gargling and treating infectious stomatitis: 1 tablespoon of peel and inflorescence per 200 ml of boiled water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes and let steep for 2-3 hours. Use the decoction three to four times daily.

Tincture based on fruit seeds

An effective herbal remedy made from saffron seeds—a tincture—helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels, and reduces inflammation of various etiologies. For women, the tincture reduces the negative symptoms of PMS and menopause.

You can make your own tincture. For the alcohol base, use 60% alcohol, vodka, or moonshine. Here's the recipe for the "Kremlin Star" tincture:

• pomegranate fruits – 5 pcs.;
• lemon – 1 pc.;
• cinnamon – 5 g (or 1 stick);
• sugar – 350 g;
• alcohol – 500 ml.

Separate the pomegranate and remove the seeds. Juice the seeds and collect the lemon zest. Zest the lemon and add it to the seeds. Add cinnamon, sugar, and alcohol to this mixture. Let it steep for 20-30 days in a room away from daylight. Shake the tincture every other day. After steeping, filter the tincture. It is recommended to take 1 tablespoon 1-2 times daily for 60 days, 15-20 minutes before meals. Store the tincture in the refrigerator for no longer than 90 days from the time of infusion.

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For acute respiratory infections

For colds, sore throats, and bronchitis, use a decoction of pomegranate seeds. Recipe:

• 20 g of seed powder + 200 ml of boiling water;
• boil for 20-30 minutes in a water bath;
• filter and add boiled water to make a volume of 200 ml;
• Gargle with this decoction or drink 50 ml twice a day.

For diabetics

For diabetes, take 100-200 ml of pomegranate juice diluted with 1 tablespoon of organic honey three times a day. It is recommended to eat sour or sweet and sour fruits several times a week.

Decoction and infusion for intestinal disorders

A decoction will help relieve inflammation in the intestinal tract. Recipe:

• 50 g grains;
• 20 g of crushed dry peel;
• 200 ml of water;
• boil the mixture over very low heat for 25-35 minutes;
• when it cools down, the broth needs to be filtered;
• take 1 tbsp twice a day.

A decoction of the fruit peel helps eliminate many types of parasites from the body in case of helminthic infestation.

• 50-60 g of crushed peel + 500 ml of cold water;
• leave for 7 hours;
• After steeping, it is necessary to boil over low heat until ½ of the liquid volume remains;
• cool the broth and filter;
• drink the entire volume in small doses within 1 hour;
• 1 hour after taking the decoction, take a laxative medication;
• after 4 hours – do an enema.

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For inflammation of internal organs, a decoction based on the peel is used:

• 2 tsp chopped peel + 200 ml boiling water;
• boil in a steam bath for 30 minutes;
• filter and add water to the original volume;
• Take 50 ml twice or three times a day, half an hour before meals.

For stomach upset

For diarrhea and colitis, use a herbal remedy based on the peel. Recipe:

• 1 tsp. chopped peel + 200 ml boiling water;
• boil for 15 minutes and leave for 2 hours;
• after filtering, use 1 teaspoon three times a day;
• The dosage must be strictly observed.

Boil for 20-30 minutes and strain. Take 2 tablespoons 3 times daily. This decoction can also be used to treat infectious stomatitis by rinsing the mouth.

For severe stomach pain, use pomegranate juice with honey. Add 1 tablespoon of natural honey to 100 ml of juice. Take three times daily. Avoid using pomegranate juice if you have gastritis or ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.

For women's health

This fruit has a positive effect on women's health. When consumed regularly, it has the following effects on the female body:

• relieves symptoms of menopause;
• protects against the development of depression;
• ensures the supply of essential vitamins during pregnancy;
• The presence of the component ellagitannin in pomegranate reduces the risk of developing oncological tumors in the mammary gland.

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For men's health

For men, regular consumption of pomegranate improves potency due to the vitamin B12 found in the fruit, which affects blood flow and the hematopoietic system, and also regulates a man's hormonal balance, which has a positive effect on male potency.

In dietetics

Pomegranate is a fruit that promotes weight loss. You can use everything in this fruit—the pulp, seeds, and pits, natural juice, and healing infusions made from the pits and peel. Drink 200 ml of juice diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio daily, and in 2-3 weeks you'll see positive results—improved gastrointestinal function and a few pounds of excess weight lost.

Recipe using pomegranate seeds and olive oil:

• Grind 50 g of grains in a meat grinder;
• add 2 tablespoons of oil to them;
• Keep refrigerated;
• the mixture should be consumed twice a day;
• The course of therapy is 30 days.

To effectively combat excess weight, pomegranate should be included in your daily diet. Your menu should include fruit and vegetable salads with pomegranate seeds, as well as meat and fish dishes that contain pomegranate juice or seeds.

Pomegranate fasting days – no more than 7-8 times a month: consume only pomegranate juice and seeds in unlimited quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

People most often ask questions about the beneficial properties of pomegranates and how to choose fruits so that they contain the maximum amount of useful components.

Pomegranate is one of the most beneficial winter fruits, possessing healing properties and used in alternative medicine for various conditions.